Fire breaks out in Gulistan market

A fire broke out at the Sundarban Square Market in the capital's Gulistan area on Saturday morning, causing significant damage to several shops but no casualties were reported.

Talha Bin Jashim, media cell officer of the Fire Service and Civil Defence, said they received information about the fire around 10:00 am. The blaze originated on the fifth floor of the market building, which houses numerous mobile accessories shops.

"The first unit of firefighters rushed to the spot at around 10:03am. Later, 11 more units joined the efforts, and the fire was brought under control by 11:12am," he added.

Thick plumes of smoke were seen billowing from the building as the fire spread across multiple shops on the fifth floor, prompting panic among traders and customers.

Assistant Director (Dhaka) of Fire Service and Civil Defence, Kazi Nazmuzzaman, told reporters that the market had long been declared risky.

"The Fire Service had declared Sundarban Square Market as a fire hazard two to three years ago. There was no fire extinguishing system in place, and many people were present on different floors during the fire."

He alleged that despite repeated warnings, many occupants were initially reluctant to leave the building. Later, army and police personnel arrived and assisted in evacuating the premises.

Mr Nazmuzzaman credited the successful extinguishing of the fire to the coordinated efforts of multiple government agencies.

talhabinhabib@yahoo.com